Search Results (441)

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are highly effective, but can be of environmental concern due to primary and secondary non-target exposure, with the latter possible being relevant to domestic cats. Therefore, liver residues of ARs and an alternative rodenticide, α-chloralose, were systematically monitored in domestic cats for the first time in the current study. In 2021 and 2022, the carcasses of 99 cats were collected in Slovenia and liver residues were measured by using solid supported liquid–liquid extraction and LC-MS/MS. The results show that 65% of cats carried at least one rodenticide. The second-generation ARs brodifacoum and bromadiolone were most prevalent and found in 53.5 and 25.3% of the samples, respectively. Of first-generation ARs, coumatetralyl was the most prevalent (21.2% of cats). More compounds were detected at high human population density, low farm density and in rural versus intermediate landscapes, but no effect was found for livestock density. Similar trends were found for the presence of brodifacoum, bromadiolone and all rodenticides combined. Farm density was negatively correlated with brodifacoum liver concentration. Individual factors (cat age, sex, outdoor activity) did not matter. The results indicate that a reasonably populated rural landscape, and not the rural or intermediate environment as such, is the main driver of cat exposure to ARs. The risk quotient (RQ) of worst-case acute brodifacoum poisoning was 1506. In summary, a potential environmental problem is globally highlighted for cats that is probably related to secondary exposure to ARs, with a pattern different to that seen in wild predators. Cats are an appropriate sentinel species for assessing rodenticide exposure and endangerment in the environment. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found worldwide in water, soil, plants, and animals, including humans. A primary route of exposure for humans and animals to PFAS is through the diet and drinking water. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a long-chain PFAS with a relatively long half-life, has been associated with adverse health effects in humans and laboratory animals. There are few toxicokinetic studies on PFOS in domestic livestock raised for human food consumption, which are critical for assessing human food safety. This work aimed to develop a simple daily accumulation model (DAM) for predicting PFOS residues in edible beef cattle muscle. A one-compartment toxicokinetic model in a spreadsheet format was developed using simple calculations to account for daily PFAS into and out of the animal. The DAM was used to simulate two case studies to predict resultant PFOS residues in edible beef cattle tissues. The results demonstrated that the model can reasonably predict PFOS concentrations in beef cattle muscle in a real-world scenario. The DAM was then used to simulate dietary PFOS exposure in beef cattle throughout a typical lifespan in order to derive a generic bioaccumulation factor. The DAM is expected to work well for other PFAS in beef cattle, PFAS in other livestock species raised for meat, and other chemical contaminants with relatively long half-lives. Full article

Q Fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that affects domestic and wild ruminants, leading to reproductive disorders. In humans, the disease can manifest with acute and chronic clinical manifestations. Veterinarians, as healthcare professionals in close contact with animals, serve both as the first line of defence in preventing infection at the animal–human interface and as an important sentinel group for the rapid detection of outbreaks. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude of veterinarians in Southern Spain regarding Q Fever. To this end, an online survey was designed, validated, and conducted among veterinarians in the province of Malaga, with a final participation of 97 individuals, predominantly from the private sector (clinic, livestock, agri-food, etc.). The data obtained reflected a general lack of knowledge about the disease, particularly concerning its epidemiology and infection prevention. Regarding perception and attitude, a significant percentage of respondents stated they did not use protective equipment when handling susceptible animals and only sought information about the disease in response to outbreak declarations. The study emphasised the significance of promoting training in zoonotic diseases during and after graduation, the relevance of official channels in occupational risk prevention, and the utility of epidemiological surveys as a tool to identify and address potential gaps in knowledge related to this disease. Full article

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) has been detected in wild boars across many countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. However, data regarding the presence of porcine circoviruses in wild boars and ticks remain limited. In this study, we investigated the presence and genetic characteristics of PCV3 in wild boars and parasitizing ticks in Jiangsu, China. Samples, including whole blood, serum, tissues, feces, and oral fluids from wild boars, as well as ticks collected from 47 wild boars, were obtained between March 2021 and November 2022. PCR results indicated that 34.0% (16/47) of wild boars tested positive for PCV3, while ELISA detected 41.9% (18/43) seropositivity. RT-qPCR results showed that 7.2% (6/83) were positive for PCV3 in 83 analyzed tick samples, with all positive samples identified as Amblyomma testudinarium. The PCV3 genome obtained from wild boars was classified as PCV3a and was closely related to the strain identified in domestic pigs in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Collectively, these findings confirm the presence of PCV3 in wild boars in Jiangsu and suggest a possible link of PCV3 infection among domestic pigs, wild boars, and ticks, providing new insights into the transmission risk of PCV3 at wildlife–livestock–human interfaces and highlighting the genetic homology between strains from wild and domestic pigs. Full article

Every year, a large amount of antibiotics enter aquatic environments globally through discharging of pharmaceutical wastewater and domestic sewage, emissions from agriculture, and livestock, posing a severe threat to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, it is essential to develop efficient adsorption materials for rapid removal of antibiotics in water. In this study, abundant and renewable wetland plants (lotus leaves, Arundo donax, and canna lilies) were utilized as raw materials to prepare biochar through slow pyrolysis combined with KOH chemical activation. The prepared biochar was employed to adsorb typical tetracycline (TC) antibiotics (TC-HCl, CTC-HCl, OTC-HCl) from water. The results showed that the optimum biochar (LBC-600 (1:3)) was prepared at a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C with the mass ratio of KOH to lotus leaf of 1:3. The optimum pH for the adsorption of the three antibiotics were 5, 4, and 3, respectively. The highest adsorption rates reached 93.32%, 81.44%, and 83.76% for TC-HCl, CTC-HCl, and OTC-HCl with 0.6 g/L of biochar, respectively. At an initial antibiotic concentration of 80 mg·L⁻¹, the maximum adsorption capacities achieved 40.17, 27.76, and 24.6 mg·g⁻¹ for TC-HCl, CTC-HCl, and OTC-HCl, respectively. The adsorption process conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, indicating that it was a spontaneous endothermic process and primarily involved monolayer chemical adsorption. This study transformed wetland plant waste into adsorbent and applied it for antibiotic removal, providing a valuable resource utilization strategy and technical support for recycling wetland plant residues and antibiotic removal from water environments. Full article

Predicting water losses and final storage in reservoirs has become increasingly relevant in the efficient control and optimization of water provided to agriculture, livestock, industry, and domestic consumption, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with flash floods and water crises. This research aims to develop a new Machine Learning (ML) algorithm based on a water balance model to simulate the outflow in the Cuchoquesera reservoir in the Ayacucho region. The method uses TensorFlow (TF), a powerful interface for graphing and time series forecasting, for data analysis of hydrometeorological parameters (HMP), inflow (QE_obs), and outflow (QS_obs) of the reservoir. The ML water balance model is fed, trained, and calibrated with daily HMP, QE_obs, and QS_obs data from the Sunilla station. The results provide monthly forecasts of the simulated outflow (QS_sim), which are validated with QS_obs values, with significant validation indicators: NSE (0.87), NSE-Ln (0.83), Pearson (0.94), R² (0.87), RMSE (0.24), Bias (0.99), RVB (0.01), NPE (0.01), and PBIAS (0.14), with QS_obs being slightly higher than QS_sim. Therefore, it is important to highlight that water losses due to evaporation and infiltration increased significantly between 2019 and 2023. Full article

Background: Since the massive outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Korea in 2010–2011, cloven-hoofed livestock have been immunized with serotype O and A vaccines across the country. Other serotypes of FMD vaccines were stockpiled in overseas FMD vaccine factories as antigen banks. Once a manufacturing facility has been established in South Korea, the overseas antigen banks will be replaced by domestic one. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the commercial potential of the previously developed SAT2 vaccine candidate (SAT2 ZIM-R). Methods: The optimal condition was determined at various virus concentrations, infection times, and pH levels, resulting in 0.01 MOI for SAT2 ZIM-R for 24 h infection at a pH of 7.5. Results: When the SAT2 ZIM-R virus was produced in flasks from 40 to 1000 mL in fivefold increments, all scales of production yielded > 7.0 µg/mL of antigens. Using a bioreactor, 5.6 µg/mL of antigens was recovered from a 1 L viral culture. The optimal conditions of viral inactivation kinetics were determined to be 1 mM of binary ethyleneimine (BEI) treatment at 26 °C for 24 h, with approximately 91% of the antigen being retained after virus inactivation. When the SAT2 ZIM-R experimental vaccine was administered twice to pigs, the neutralizing antibody titer increased approximately 500-fold after booster immunization. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the antigen productivity, viral inactivation kinetics, and immunogenicity of the SAT vaccine strain in pigs. In the future, the SAT2 ZIM-R vaccine may be a useful candidate vaccine for a domestic antigen bank. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) significantly impacts global livestock industries, with raw milk transportation posing a recognized pathway for viral dissemination, particularly in endemic regions. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of FMD virus (FMDV) introduction and transmission to dairy farms via raw milk transportation in Ban Thi District, Thailand. A qualitative risk assessment methodology, adhering to WOAH guidelines, was employed. Data were collected through structured farmer surveys (n = 109), expert interviews (n = 12), and reviews of national disease surveillance data and scientific literature. The risk assessment, utilizing a scenario tree approach for domestic dairy cattle, revealed a moderate overall risk of FMDV transmission. This finding is primarily attributed to critical gaps in on-farm biosecurity practices, potential contamination at milk collection centers, and significant challenges in detecting subclinical carrier animals. While the qualitative approach presented inherent limitations and uncertainties, the study successfully highlighted key vulnerabilities. The results underscore the urgent necessity for implementing targeted biosecurity protocols, developing more robust surveillance strategies for FMDV carriers, and establishing standardized risk assessment frameworks to mitigate potential outbreaks and protect the regional dairy industry. Full article

Upland mires in Italy, excluding the Alps, have a fragmentary distribution, and most of them persist in climatically optimal mountain refugia. Based on the literature data, we assessed that the state of knowledge of Italian upland mires distributed in the Apennines, Sicily, and Sardinia is outdated. We analyzed 54 publications, and 220 peatland sites were found. Only a few publications were published in the last ten years, and most of the peat bogs described in the past have not been resurveyed. The largest number of sites is concentrated in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines (60), followed by Sicily (51 sites) and Calabria (42). The vegetation belongs to 38 phytosociological associations, 19 sub-associations and variants, and 54 communities of 6 different classes; the most represented class is Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae. The most widespread disturbances are uncontrolled grazing by domestic livestock and wild fauna, groundwater extraction, and road construction. New investigations are urgently needed to update the state of Italian upland mires knowledge, which is the basis for all conservation strategies prescribed by national, European, and international policies. Full article

Background/Objectives: As a well-known source of energy from feed, the significance of fatty acids in regulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received attention in recent years, especially follicular development. Moreover, successful ovulation is a process that is crucial for reproduction and fertility in domestic animals. Therefore, it is important to reveal the signatures of fatty acids in follicular fluid during mammalian ovulation, and this provides a possible method to prevent the occurrence of ovarian cysts in domestic animals. Methods: Pre-ovulatory follicles (n = 6) and peri-ovulatory follicles (n = 6) during normal ovulation, as well as cystic follicles (n = 6) in ovulation-deficient ovarian cyst were isolated and characterized, while follicular fluid was collected for targeted fatty acid metabolomics detection and analysis. Results: We have illustrated the anatomical and biochemical characterization of pre-ovulatory, peri-ovulatory, and cystic follicles. Subsequently, we identified changes in 51 fatty acids profiles in the follicular fluid. The highest proportion of fatty acids in the follicular fluid at three different ovulation stages is polyunsaturated fatty acids, among which the abnormality of the linoleic acid metabolism pathway was involved in ovulation defects in cystic follicles. Remarkably, we found that linoleic acid was significantly increased while arachidonic acid was significantly decreased in cystic follicles. Conclusions: Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a significant role in the follicular ovulation stage of sows. Among them, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are closely related to the ovulation defects of cystic follicles, which suggests that identifying changes in important metabolic signatures may give us a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ovarian cyst. Full article

Groundwater nitrate (NO₃⁻) contamination has emerged as a critical global environmental issue, posing serious human health risks. This study systematically investigated the hydrochemical processes, sources of NO₃⁻ pollution, the impact of land use on NO₃⁻ pollution, and drinking water safety in an urban area of southwestern China. Thirty-one groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major hydrochemical parameters and dual isotopic composition of NO₃⁻ (δ¹⁵N-NO₃⁻ and δ¹⁸O-NO₃⁻). The groundwater samples were characterized by neutral to slightly alkaline nature, and were dominated by the Ca-HCO₃ type. Hydrochemical analysis revealed that water–rock interactions, including carbonate dissolution, silicate weathering, and cation exchange, were the primary natural processes controlling hydrochemistry. Additionally, anthropogenic influences have significantly altered NO₃⁻ concentration. A total of 19.35% of the samples exceeded the Chinese guideline limit of 20 mg/L for NO₃⁻. Isotopic evidence suggested that primary sources of NO₃⁻ in groundwater include NH₄⁺-based fertilizer, soil organic nitrogen, sewage, and manure. Spatial distribution maps indicated that the spatial distribution of NO₃⁻ concentration correlated strongly with land use types. Elevated NO₃⁻ levels were observed in areas dominated by agriculture and artificial surfaces, while lower concentrations were associated with grass-covered ridge areas. The unabsorbed NH₄⁺ from nitrogen fertilizer entered groundwater along with precipitation and irrigation water infiltration. The direct discharge of domestic sewage and improper disposal of livestock manure contributed substantially to NO₃⁻ pollution. The nitrogen fixation capacity of the grassland ecosystem led to a relatively low NO₃⁻ concentration in the ridge region. Despite elevated NO₃⁻ and F⁻ concentrations, the entropy weighted water quality index (EWQI) indicated that all groundwater samples were suitable for drinking. This study provides valuable insights into NO₃⁻ source identification and hydrochemical processes across varying land-use types. Full article

Background: Short food supply chains are commonly perceived as more sustainable and safer alternatives to conventional production systems, often linked to organic, free-range livestock practices. Materials and methods: This study investigates, for the first time, the distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and characterizes the microbial communities’ composition, using 16S rRNA sequencing and real-time PCR, respectively. Eleven fecal, 76 slaughterhouse surface, 11 cecal, and 11 carcass samples, from 11 poultry farms belonging to the same short food chain, were analyzed in the study. Results: While cleaning and disinfection procedures appeared to reduce the bacterial load on slaughterhouse surfaces, diverse and potentially resistant bacteria, including genera such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, persisted both before and after slaughter. ARGs conferring resistance to high-priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs), such as fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, were frequently detected on carcasses, with qnrS (76.15%, 95%CI 68.02-84.28%) and bla_CMY2 (57.8%, 95%CI 48.38-67.22%) being the most prevalent. The slaughtering process emerged as a critical step for ARG dissemination via intestinal bacteria, such as genus Lactobacillus. Additionally, the detection of mcr genes and bla_NDM on carcasses but not in the bird gut samples suggests possible anthropogenic contamination. Discussion: These findings highlight that the evisceration process, slaughterhouse environment, and personnel are all contributing factors in ARG spread and underscore the need for enhanced hygiene protocols and reduced gut ARG carriage in domestic birds to mitigate the risk for the consumer. Full article

Lyssaviruses are RNA viruses in the Family Rhabdoviridae, Genus Lyssavirus. They represent the causative agents of acute, progressive encephalitis, known historically as rabies. Regardless of specific etiology, their collective viral morphology, biochemistry, pathobiology, associated clinical signs, diagnosis, epizootiology, and management are essentially the same. Despite centuries of clinical recognition, these quintessential neurotropic agents remain significant pathogens today, with substantive consequences to agriculture, public health, and conservation biology. Notably, the singular morbidity caused by lyssaviruses is incurable and constitutes the highest case fatality of any viral disease. All warm-blooded vertebrates are believed to be susceptible. The dog is the only domestic animal that serves as a reservoir, vector, and victim. In contrast, felids are effective vectors, but not reservoirs. All other rabid domestic species, such as livestock, constitute spillover infections, as a bellwether to local lyssavirus activity. Frequently, professional confusion abounds among the veterinary community, because although the viral species Lyssavirus rabies is inarguably the best-known representative in the Genus, at least 20 other recognized or putative members of this monophyletic group are known. Frequently, this is simply overlooked. Moreover, often the ‘taxonomic etiology’ (i.e., ‘Lyssavirus x’) is mistakenly referenced in a biopolitcal context, instead of the obvious clinical illness (i.e., ‘rabies’). Global consternation persists, if localities believe they are ‘disease-free’, when documented lyssaviruses circulate or laboratory-based surveillance is inadequate to support such claims. Understandably, professional chagrin develops when individuals mistake the epidemiological terminology of control, prevention, elimination, etc. Management is not simple, given that the only licensed veterinary and human vaccines are against rabies virus, sensu lato. There are no adequate antiviral drugs for any lyssaviruses or cross-reactive biologics developed against more distantly related viral members. While representative taxa among the mammalian Orders Chiroptera, Carnivora, and Primates exemplify the major global reservoirs, which mammalian species are responsible for the perpetuation of other lyssaviruses remains a seemingly academic curiosity. This zoonosis is neglected. Clearly, with such underlying characteristics as a fundamental ‘disease of nature’, rabies, unlike smallpox and rinderpest, is not a candidate for eradication. With the worldwide zeal to drive human fatalities from canine rabies viruses to zero by the rapidly approaching year 2030, enhanced surveillance and greater introspection of the poorly appreciated burden posed by rabies virus and diverse other lyssaviruses may manifest as an epidemiological luxury to the overall global program of the future. Full article

Canine distemper is caused by a morbillivirus similar to others that affect livestock and humans. The increase in host range and its persistence in wildlife reservoirs complicate eradication considerably. Canine distemper virus has been reported in wildlife in Mexico since 2007. Dogs were previously considered the main reservoirs, but high vaccination coverage in the USA has helped control the disease, and racoons (Procyon lotor) are now recognized as the main reservoirs of the agent in the USA, since they live in high densities in urban environments (peridomestic), where contact with domestic and wildlife species is common. Racoons are now considered to spread CDV in wildlife species and zoo animals. Mexico is home to at least two wildlife species that have been reported as carriers of the CDV infection in studies in the USA. Raccoons and Coyotes are distributed in several Mexican states and could play the same reservoir role as for the US. In addition, the increase in non-traditional pets expands the availability of susceptible individuals to preserve CDV in domiciliary and peri-domiciliary environments, contributing to the spread of the disease. Combined with incomplete vaccination coverage in domestic canids, this could contribute to maintaining subclinical infections. Infected pets with incomplete vaccination schedules could also spread CDV to other canines or wildlife coexisting species. In controlled habitats, such as flora and fauna sanctuaries, protected habitats, zoo collections, etc., populations of wildlife species and stray dogs facilitate the spread of CDV infection, causing the spilling over of this infectious agent. Restricting domestic pets from wildlife habitats reduces the chance of spreading the infection. Regular epidemiological surveillance and specific wildlife conservation practices can contribute to managing threatened species susceptible to diseases like CDV. This may also facilitate timely interventions in companion animals which eventually minimize the impact of this disease in both scenarios. Aim: The review discusses the circulation of CDV in wildlife populations, and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance in wildlife, particularly in endangered wildlife species from Mexico. Through an extensive review of recent scientific literature about CDV disease in wildlife that has been published in local and international databases, the findings were connected with the current needs of information from a local to global perspective, and conclusions were made to broaden the context of Mexican epidemiological scenarios as closely related to the neighboring regions. Full article